Asthma is a long-term breathing disorder that affects the lungs. There is no definitive cure, but it can be controlled. This condition can cause the airways to tighten and swell up and produce excess mucus. The symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, wheezing, loss of sleep, and chest tightness. This disease affects 25 million people every year. Here are some of the treatment options, meal plans, and tips for asthma management: Initiate treatment plans immediately The severity of the symptoms of this health condition varies among patients. Healthcare experts, most often, formulate an asthma treatment plan depending on what suits best for the patient. This plan will have information about asthma triggers and the available treatment options. Some of these treatment options could be: Tezepelumab Tezepelumab, a human monoclonal antibody, blocks thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in those with severe asthma. The FDA-approved treatment option is used for grown-ups and children aged 12 years or above with severe asthma, which cannot be controlled through other treatment methods. Nucala Another humanized monoclonal antibody, Nucala, is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and eosinophilic granulomatosis. The injection is administered once in four weeks as prescribed by your doctor. Fasenra An add-on maintenance treatment for patients aged 12 years or above is Fasenra, and it treats severe eosinophilic asthma. But it is not for sudden breathing problems or other eosinophilic conditions. Make sure a physician prescribes this treatment option after examining the condition. Xolair This treatment option is used for asthma, urticaria, and nasal polyps. It is particularly designed to treat moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma in patients above six years old. It advised to consult an allergy specialist before opting for this treatment option. Zyrtec A second-generation antihistamine, Zyrtec, is used to treat urticaria, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis.

A person is constipated when their bowel movements become infrequent, and they find it difficult to pass stool. While the condition develops due to insufficient fiber intake, factors like age, pregnancy, travel, and poor eating habits can also induce constipation. People can experience hard and dry stool, stomach pain, and even nausea when affected by this condition. So, here are a few treatment options, foods, and ways that can help relieve the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors usually recommend laxatives as treatment options like stool softeners, fiber supplements, lubricants, and stimulants. A couple of popular options are: Linzess: This is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. The slow movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract can give the colon enough time to absorb all the moisture from waste, making the stool dry and hard. Linzess works by increasing the amount of fluid in the intestines, which speeds up food movement. So, this treatment option can provide relief from constipation while also improving associated symptoms like bloating, straining, abdominal pain, and the feeling of incomplete bowel movement. Movantik: Doctors recommend this option to target the kind of constipation that is caused by prescription treatments for non-cancer pain. Movantik blocks the effect that pain prescription treatment has on the gut. It is usually taken on an empty stomach and works quickly—within 6–12 hours after the first dose. Foods to have Yogurt: Fermented food items contain probiotics, which improve gut health and soften stool. Pulses: As constipation is usually associated with insufficient fiber intake, incorporating pulses that are excellent sources of fibers, i.e., chickpeas, beans, lentils, and peas, into meal plans would help relieve the symptoms. Fiber is a nutrient that facilitates good digestion and helps fight constipation. Prunes: This fruit is one of the oldest and best home remedies for constipation.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a skin condition that causes the skin to appear dry, red, and itchy. This condition can affect infants, children, and adults. Although it does not cause any major harm, loss of the skin barrier due to dermatitis can increase the chances of the skin becoming dry and prone to infections. Here are some essential tips on treatment plans, food options, and healthy lifestyle choices to help manage atopic dermatitis: Treatment for atopic dermatitis Eczema is a group of skin illnesses that results in inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis is known to be the most common type. According to dermatologists, there is no permanent cure for the condition. A person with this skin disorder might need to try various treatments over a long period of time to reduce the symptoms. The following is a list of major treatment options used to manage the skin condition and its symptoms. DUPIXENT ® DUPIXENT® is a commonly used treatment option to relieve allergic diseases such as asthma, nasal polyps, and eczema. This FDA-approved option helps in reducing the symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. DUPIXENT® is generally used for patients who are 12 years and older. It is a subcutaneous injection that needs to be administered under supervision. The dosage is based on multiple factors, including the patient’s age and the condition being treated. CIBINQO™ It is another prescribed treatment used for adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. It is commonly used in combination with other topical treatment options. CIBINQO™ can be taken orally, once a day, or as recommended by a physician. The treatment method works by blocking the JAK 1 protein, and this process is expected to reduce inflammation and its flare-ups. The dosage depends on the severity of the condition. Upadacitinib Upadacitinib (brand name RINVOQ ™ ) is most commonly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as well as atopic dermatitis.

High blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia is a condition wherein the blood glucose levels rise due to a lack of insulin in the body. A high carb meal intake, lack of physical activity, or skipping insulin therapy are causative factors or triggers for hyperglycemia. This condition, associated with diabetes, can cause vision problems, headaches, and rapid heartbeat. Here are the treatment options, meal plans, and tips to help alleviate the signs of high blood sugar: Treatment options Invokana (canagliflozin) This is a prescription treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps in lowering blood glucose levels and is most effective when taken along with a nutritious, balanced meal plan and regular exercise. Invokana works by preventing excess sugar from being absorbed into the body and eliminating sugar daily through urination. The glomerulus (the filtering part of the kidneys) of those with type 2 diabetes is under increased pressure due to this health condition, and over time this can harm the kidneys. However, with this treatment option, the risk of kidney damage and disease caused due to diabetes is reduced. Kerendia (finerenone) Finerenone is the active component in Kerendia. If you have type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). High blood sugar levels might harm the blood vessels in the kidneys over time. When the kidneys are unable to filter the blood effectively, CKD develops. Kerendia is a medication used to treat individuals with type 2 diabetes who have chronic kidney disease (CKD), lowering their risk of complications. The dosage of this oral treatment option depends on the severity of the condition. Insulin therapy Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help reduce blood sugar levels. It also aids in the transport of glucose to the cells. Some of the sugar is used by the cells for energy, while the rest is stored in the fat muscles for later use.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced naturally by the liver. When the levels of this lipid in your blood are too high, it can lead to issues with blood circulation in the body and even a heart attack. High levels of blood cholesterol could be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and a meal regime that’s high in saturated and trans fats. There are generally no signs or symptoms of this condition. Here are the treatment options, meal plans, and tips to help alleviate the signs of high cholesterol: Treatment options If your cholesterol readings are high, your doctor may prescribe the following: Livalo Livalo can decrease total levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and Apo B while raising “good” cholesterol (HDL-C). This treatment option works by preventing your liver from producing cholesterol by blocking a chemical that the liver requires to carry out the process. Livalo comes in the form of a tablet and is generally taken once a day, with or without food, as instructed by the doctor. Although very rare, there are a few side effects of this drug. These include mild memory problems or confusion. This treatment option could also result in diabetes and muscle problems. Repatha Repatha is a prescription drug that works to lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Repatha is a PCSK9 inhibitor that aids in the absorption of LDL by the liver, lowering the quantity of cholesterol in your blood. This option is costly and is injected beneath the skin every few weeks. Prevalite Prevalite powder is a treatment option that is taken orally and functions as a resin and binds bile acids. Bile acids are produced by the liver from cholesterol, and by attaching to these acids, Prevalite indirectly lowers LDL. This causes your liver to utilize the cholesterol already present in the body to produce more bile acids, hence lowering its levels in the blood.

Some fruits and vegetables, despite being healthy and nutritious, could be bad for lung health. Certain foods can cause lung damage and even lead to chronic lung diseases. Lung disease is a common condition that impacts millions and affects the quality of life. Whether you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or asthma, lung diseases are highly uncomfortable. Here is all that you need to know about the treatment of lung diseases and foods to avoid: Treatment options Respiratory conditions cause breathing difficulties. There are various treatment options and lifestyle changes available for lung diseases. Some of the treatment options are detailed below: Tezepelumab This human monoclonal antibody helps improve lung function in individuals with uncontrolled and severe asthma. It blocks the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cytokine that is considered the main cause of airway inflammation. FASENRA Also known as benralizumab, this is used on a consistent basis with other treatments to control and manage severe eosinophilic asthma, which is an inflammatory lung condition. Nucala Along with other treatments, Nucala is used to prevent and control symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing caused by asthma and COPD. XOLAIR Doctors prescribe this to treat and control moderate to severe asthma in people whose symptoms persist despite trying all the other treatments. It is important to note that XOLAIR is not a cure for asthma. And once stopped, the symptoms could increase. Zyrtec® Also known as Cetirizine, this second-generation antihistamine is used to treat multiple symptoms of rhinitis, such as watery eyes, itchy nose, and nasal congestion, and asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, nocturnal asthma, and shortness of breath. Foods to avoid Processed meats The nitrates present in processed meats lead to an increase in COPD-related problems. Avoiding deli meat and looking for nitrate-free foods on the product is helpful.

Psoriatic arthritis affects people with psoriasis. The latter is a skin condition that causes itchy red patches and silvery scales. It affects people across sexes, ages, and races. 1 in 3 people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, and over 1 million people in the country have this condition. Its symptoms include painful and swollen joints, eye inflammation, and brittle nails. Here are the treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to help manage psoriatic arthritis: Treatment options for psoriatic arthritis Although there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, getting the proper remedies can help you control the symptoms, manage the pain, and prevent further joint damage. Here are some prescription treatment options for this condition: Otezla® Otezla® is a prescription treatment option used for managing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It works by inhibiting the production of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 4 or PDE4 that causes inflammation in the body. It is taken orally with or without food. One may face side effects on taking Otezla®, which include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and lower back pain, among others. The more severe side effects include depression and allergic reactions. Rinvoq® Rinvoq® is a treatment option prescribed for adults with psoriatic arthritis when other treatments have not worked to manage the condition. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, severe eczema, ulcerative colitis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Rinvoq® works by inhibiting or suppressing the overactive immune cells that are causing joint inflammation. It blocks the action of enzymes known as Janus kinases that are responsible for causing inflammation. Over time, it can help the joint inflammation reduce significantly. This is an oral once-daily prescription treatment option. It can cause several side effects in certain cases, including immune system issues, blood clots, and allergic reactions. One may also face an increased risk of heart attack if they have pre-existing cardiovascular problems.

Headaches, a quite common condition, affect about 45 million people every year and can be caused due to a variety of reasons, such as stress and dehydration. There are different types of headaches, from mild to severe. In some cases, if the pain persists for a long period, it could be an indicator of an underlying health issue. You should consult your doctor if you have the following symptoms along with a headache: Changes in speech or vision In addition to a headache, if you also have issues with your vision, weakness on one side of your body, or issues walking or speaking, it could be an indicator of a stroke. This condition often occurs when the blood supply to the brain is restricted or reduced. Sometimes, a migraine that causes tingling sensations in the body is mistaken for a stroke. However, the conditions are quite different. In any case, visiting the doctor is the best way to diagnose it. Behavior changes Headaches that increase in severity over time could be an indicator of a brain tumor. Changes in behavior accompanied by shouldn’t be ignored. Although not all tumors are cancerous, they can cause various problems, depending on where they occur in the brain and the blood vessels they affect. Issues with reasoning, memory, reading and writing, and concentration are some of the issues that could be experienced due to a tumor pressing down on certain parts of the brain. Sudden and severe headaches Headaches that occur suddenly and are severe could be a result of a brain aneurysm. This occurs when the blood vessels in the brain become weak and start to expand like a balloon. When these vessels burst, it causes blood to flow into that area of the brain, resulting in a sudden headache. You could also experience vomiting, nausea, and drowsiness.

Overactive bladder (or OAB) is a condition in which one may feel a sudden and frequent urge to urinate as the bladder cannot store urine normally. This condition develops when the urinary bladder muscles contract even when it is not full. People with OAB usually experience frequent urination, persistent urge to urinate, and frequent nighttime urination (or nocturia). Here are a few treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes to cope with the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can prescribe treatment options to help control muscle spasms and relieve OAB symptoms. Some of the popular options are: Gemtesa: This is an FDA-approved treatment option for adults that is prescribed for treating symptoms such as the frequent urge to urinate and the inability to hold urine. It can be taken orally once a day and works by activating the beta-3 receptor, which helps the bladder muscles relax. This allows the bladder to hold more urine, reducing the frequency of urination and leakage (or incontinence). Possible side effects of Gemtesa are urinary retention, urinary tract infections, and nasal congestion. Myrbetriq : This is the brand name for mirabegron, which helps treat an overactive bladder. The oral prescription treatment comes in two forms—extended-release tablets and extended-release granules. The dosage and the form of treatment vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Myrbetriq helps the muscles near the bladder relax so that it can expand to hold more urine. Possible side effects of this could be increased blood pressure, joint pain, and tiredness. Toviaz: This option helps treat bladder-related problems like neurogenic detrusor overactivity and OAB. This oral treatment helps reduce the bladder’s muscle contractions that eliminate urine, so Toviaz can reduce incontinence and urgency. Allergic reactions such as the swelling of the lips, tongue, and face and urinary retention are possible side effects of this treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease diagnosed in approximately 1.3 million people in the country. It is a type of arthritis where the immune system attacks the tissue and lining of the joints. Its symptoms include inflammation and pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, and ankles. The condition may also affect the eyes, skin, mouth, heart, and lungs. Here are some treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes for managing RA: Treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis The treatment plans for rheumatoid arthritis aim to stop or reduce inflammation to the lowest possible level, prevent joint and organ damage, relieve symptoms, reduce long-term complications, and improve overall well-being. To meet these goals, doctors follow several prescription options: Actemra® Actemra® is an immunosuppressive treatment option used to treat RA and a severe type of arthritis in children known as Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. It is used for moderate to severe RA as it slows down the progress of the disease and can improve and enhance physical function in patients. Plaquenil Plaquenil is classified as a DMARD. It is taken orally for RA and other health conditions. While the way it helps cure RA is not fully understood, Plaquenil effectively prevents damage to the joints and reduces the risk of long-term disability. Rinvoq® It is a JAK inhibitor that helps block certain inflammation-causing signals in your body. It is typically recommended once a day. Rinvoq® is administered to treat moderate or severe RA in adults and can also help manage associated symptoms of the condition, such as fatigue. It also aids in decreasing one’s joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Trexall is usually used to treat severe RA that is not responding to other treatment options. It helps preserve joint function and reduce further damage to joints. It is usually recommended once a week for oral intake.